This is the jersey that New Zealand Rugby didn’t want you to see.
It is the first look at the inaugural PNG Chiefs jersey, and a logo that has the power to unite a nation. As far as the NRL is concerned, it’s a motif worth fighting for.
Promising development players Gairo Voro, Morea Morea and Finley Glare modelled the striking black strips at a jersey launch in front of guests that included PNG Prime Minister James Marape, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, Minister for Pacific Island Affairs Pat Conroy and Australian Rugby League Commissioners Peter Beattie and Wayne Pearce at the Hilton in Port Moresby on Wednesday morning.
The logo features a chief composed of four key elements – the feather headpiece demonstrating status earned; the cassowary bone demonstrating the courage of the warriors; the face demonstrating the nation; and the kina shells, demonstrating wealth and the islands.
They are values the club intends to represent for the only country that calls rugby league its national sport.
However, it’s a logo launch that would never have happened had the 15-man code got its way. New Zealand Rugby applied for an urgent injunction last Friday, in a bid to protect the brand name of the Chiefs rugby franchise. However, that application was rejected, with the matter to be thrashed out in a New Zealand courtroom next year.
The NRL argued its use of the Chiefs name in Australia and PNG was not a trademark breach in New Zealand, and maintained it would be “next to impossible to rebrand at this point”.
The legal fight only brought further intrigue and publicity to a momentous day for PNG, which now has a symbol to unite a nation where more than 800 languages are spoken.
“Today marks one of the most significant milestones in the journey of the PNG Chiefs,” the club’s chief executive Lorna McPherson said.
“This is the first time that our club has its true, complete identity – a logo and jersey that our players, partners and fans can hold to as their own.
“The logo of the PNG Chiefs tells a story about Papua New Guinea – our people, what makes us strong and what makes us unique. The jersey of the PNG Chiefs is more than what players wear when they take to the field – it is a symbol of belonging, unity and the opportunity to represent millions of Papua New Guineans on the national stage.”
McPherson said the club will strive to be successful on and off the field when they enter the NRL in 2028 under coach Willie Peters, having already signed a slew of established stars including Jarome Luai, Zac Lomax, Brian To’o and Alex Johnston.
“We strive for the PNG Chiefs to be something our country is proud of in every way – not because of the success that we will achieve on the field, but for the opportunities and legacy we will create for our country,” she said.
“Today is the beginning of something truly special. There will only ever be one logo and one first jersey, and today we take a huge step forward in truly bringing the PNG Chiefs to life.”
The logo was designed by a team of Papua New Guinean graphic artists, and the jersey features cultural drawings by local artist TABU. Commercially, the jersey is considered one of the most lucrative in the NRL from a sponsorship perspective.
“I am proud to stand alongside all in our club and celebrate our logo and jersey, which are unmistakeably Papua New Guinean,” Chiefs chair Catherine Harris said.
“In reflecting the culture, character and pride of the nation, this identity belongs to more than the club – it belongs to the people of Papua New Guinea, and we want everyone involved with this great club to feel like they are a part of something truly special.
“As we build towards 2028 and then beyond, we will look back on this defining moment as a pivotal step in creating a sustainable and successful club – helping to deliver a legacy that future generations of Papua New Guineans can be proud of.”
Adrian Proszenko travelled to Port Moresby as a guest of the PNG Chiefs
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